SKILLS
New-look college campus ready for students
West Nottinghamshire College head of academic studies Amanda Gleadal
A-level students at Vision West Nottinghamshire College will move into a new-look campus later this year. Learners will have access to newly-equipped science
laboratories and classrooms, along with social and support areas designed to help with studies, once they move into the refurbished campus in Chesterfield Road, Mansfield. Backed by almost £500,000 in funding, construction
work is now underway at the site, which is being launched as Mansfield and Ashfield Sixth Form College. It will be ready to open in September 2021,
accommodating up to 550 A-level students and another 120 access to higher education diploma students. Head of academic studies Amanda Gleadall said:
“This dedicated college for A-levels is going to enhance the academic studies curriculum no end.
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of the region’s leading provider of apprenticeship courses. It works with employers large and small from British Telecom, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Siemens to SMEs on courses ranging from digital solutions to policing and management. “Apprentices are absolutely vital to help
businesses meet the future needs of their customers,” said Tasmin Raynor, head of apprenticeships at DMU. “We work closely with our employers and that’s something that has only increased in the pandemic, as we work together to give the best experiences to our learners.” DMU has hundreds of learners enrolled on
courses which combine on-the-job training with in-work mentoring and training days run by the university. These were on campus but since
lockdown have been done remotely with DMU teams keeping learners supported through regular engagement, one to one discussions and digital seminars “Apprentices bring a flexible mindset to the
workplace,” added Tasmin. “Companies often tell us that their learners are keen to put into practice new ideas and share different ways of working. Having an outlook that embraces change, is adaptable and open to new ideas is going to be vital for all businesses as we look past the pandemic to what the world of work will be.” As part of National Apprenticeship Week,
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Interested in finding out more about apprenticeships at DMU? Get in touch: W:
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“The opportunity for young people to have the
choice of 20 A-level subjects plus the new vocational add-on option, all on one refurbished campus, means they can tailor their future learning pathway to suit their strengths.” The investment, supported by a grant from the Department for Education, is part of a wider programme within the college’s vision to raise aspirations and create the “workforce of the future” for the surrounding area. This also includes a new automation and robotics course, as well as a partnership with Nottingham Trent University. Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of the
college, said: “We are determined to create a centre of real academic excellence, which will help propel the young people of our local communities into rewarding futures.”
BID launches online training
Businesses in north Nottinghamshire can now offer online certificated training to their staff as part of a new scheme. The North Notts Business
Improvement District (BID), working alongside hygiene, health and safety training specialist Navitas, has created an online training platform to provide continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for employees of companies across the region – including those on furlough. The interactive courses cover
health and safety, HR, legal and food safety training, which aims to support sectors affected by lockdown restrictions, such as hospitality. North Notts BID chief
executive Sally Gillborn said: “Offering these free training opportunities to our BID members will be invaluable.” Progress can be tracked on
the platform and certification of completion will provide credits towards employee CPD.
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